Tax commission yesterday continued sitting at the high court complex in
Established in November 2011 by President Yahya Jammeh, the commission of inquiry looks into tax evasion and other corrupt practices of accountants, legal practitioners, companies, and private persons, medical practitioners and institutions required to pay tax to the Gambia Revenue Authority.
The commission was also mandated, among other things, to ascertain the extent of loss of public revenue resulting from non-payment of capital gains tax, personal income tax and sales tax; and to determine the role of individuals, groups and professional bodies in the evasion and avoidance of tax.
It will also enquire into professional malpractice by members of the public as it relates to obtaining goods through widespread issuance of false and dud cheques and other malpractices by members of professional bodies as these have affected foreign direct investment in The Gambia.
Christopher E. Meneh
Christopher E. Meneh, a legal practitioner called to the bar in the
He added that while he was with Ousainou Darboe he was under salary, adding that it was not his responsibility to pay tax but his employer, but not withstanding he had paid his taxes.
The evidence of payment of his taxes were tendered and admitted by the commission.
Alhagie Jobe
Alhagie Jobe, a Chartered Accountant by profession, told the commission that he is the current Managing Director of Real Time Consulting (RTC) firm.
He said that RTC was incorporated in 2007 and started operating in 2008, stating that the firm’s shareholders are Katim Touray, former Managing Director of Gamtel, Almamy Fanding, CEO of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and one Momodou Musa, among others.
Jobe told the commission that they are paying their taxes; both income and sales tax receipts were tendered and admitted by the commission.
Ngui Mboob-Janneh
Ngui Mboob-Janneh, a legal practitioner called to the bar in 2002, told the commission she started working for the Gambia Government since 1999, as a Magistrate, and in 2003, she was promoted as a senior Magistrate.
She said between 2007 and 2009, she was appointed as a high court judge, and later sacked.
She told the commission that yesterday she went to the GRA, where she was billed, and that she gave the money to her clerk who went to the bank to make the payment.
Omar Fafa Mbai
Omar Fafa Mbai told the commission that he was called to the bar in 2006, and shortly after joined Fana Fana’s Chambers, adding that from there he joined Ecobank and later resigned and joined Standard Chartered Bank up to date.
His appointment letters for both Ecobank and Standard Chartered Bank were tendered and marked by the commission.
Ebrima Joof
Ebrima Joof, a legal practitioner called to the Bar in 2006, told the commission that when he was called he did not start practicing until 2011, because he was out of the jurisdiction.
He tendered his payment receipts of both income tax and sales tax, which were admitted and marked by the commission.
Sittings of the commission continue.